Milan Kotiev, a professional tattoo artist with over eight years of experience, is a proud representative of the Grip Needles Pro Team. He has carved out a distinct niche for himself in the tattooing world, specializing in the intricate and demanding 3RL black-and-gray style. In a recent interview, Kotiev shared insights into his unique technique, his choice of specialized tools, and his passion for creating hyper-realistic, pencil-like tattoos.
The Signature Style: 3RL Black and Gray
Kotiev's journey to specialization involved exploring various styles, including color, graphic, dotwork, and geometric. However, he ultimately found his calling in the black-and-gray realism style, executed primarily with a 3RL (Round Liner) needle.
"3RL reminded me of pencil drawing and that became my signature," Kotiev explains.
This small needle is essential for his work, offering the sharp control necessary to create tiny details and achieve smooth shading that mimics fine art drawing. For Kotiev, working in this manner is akin to "doing jewelry work on something beautiful."
The Role of Specialized Needles: Hybrid Flats and Triads
To meet the demands of his detailed and shaded style, which requires both clean details and smooth shading, Kotiev relies on Grip Needles, particularly the Hybrid Flats and Triads. He notes that these hybrid needles have dramatically improved his efficiency and quality.
"Hybrid needles let me work faster and with better quality. I don't know how I worked without them before."
He details the specific applications for these specialized tools:
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Hybrid Flats: These are "perfect for hair and fur," enabling a "soft, smooth, quick" process that makes his work "easier and quicker."
- Triangle Flats: These are used to "fill large dark areas faster" and are crucial for creating soft shading transitions.
Overcoming the Challenges of Realism
Black-and-gray realism is notoriously tricky, and Kotiev highlights the primary challenge: making the tattoo look contrasty and 3D while maintaining smooth shading in small details. He asserts that having the right tools is the key to overcoming these hurdles.
"The right needles make this easier and give me control for both soft tones and sharp lines." For Kotiev, the quality of Grip Needles provides consistency and reliability: "They're stable, sharp, and consistent. I can focus fully on the art, not worry about the tool."
The American Catalyst: Growth and Global Collaboration
Kotiev's career entered a new phase when he moved to the United States in July 2024. This relocation has had a tremendous impact on his professional growth, immediately providing more freedom to create his own vision and express his personal style fully. The move opened new doors, offering valuable connections and exciting creative opportunities.
While acknowledging the high level of competition, Kotiev sees it as the engine for his improvement: "That competition is exactly what pushes me to improve, grow, and evolve every single day."
Since moving, he has collaborated with brands not yet available in Europe and participated in major tattoo conventions, significantly expanding his artistic horizons and professional network. He highlights his collaboration with Grip Needles as a significant career milestone, confirming America's overall extremely positive influence on his development as an artist.
